The ELFT Women's Network event held on International Women's Day on 8th March 2023 was a resounding success, with 150 attendees participating throughout the day.
The event received great feedback, with attendees left feeling inspired, empowered, and motivated. Lorraine Sunduza opened the day with a very inspirational talk about her work and life journey. The event featured a range of informative and thought-provoking sessions that covered various topics related to Women's Health, Sexual Safety, Wellbeing, How Women Rise, Trauma Informed Care, Female Equity, Perimenopause, and Burnout.
Women attendees praised the event for creating a safe space where they could be their authentic selves, with men present saying they needed to be there to learn how to best support their women colleagues. Highlights of the day included having the forum to explore, learn, and connect with women at ELFT, with attendees left feeling inspired and excited about the prospect of similar events taking place every month. Many attendees expressed how much they learned from the discussions and workshops.
Live feedback from attendees included:
"I found some of the talks and information given inspiring and life-changing; I now have the information I have been trying to get for years from my GP" - Sam
"Hugely valuable advice received, I feel empowered to make a change to my life" - Leigh
"You should all be proud of doing something really great today for our women (and men)" - Katherine
"I now feel comfortable and empowered to go back to my GP and get the treatment I deserve" - anonymous
"I feel so inspired after today!" - Sian
The next steps for the ELFT Women's Network include setting up support groups for women in the Trust and hosting regular Women's Network sessions and catch-ups, with exciting lineups of educational talks planned on topics focused on menopause and menstruation. The Network polled all members at the event on how they want the network to connect and what they would like to see it do on their behalf and results will be shared on the ELFT Intranet Women's Network page.
"I am honoured to be the Executive Sponsor for the ELFT Women's Network, and I hope it continues to go from strength to strength. A special mention goes to the Network's Leadership team, who are dedicated and inspirational. Today's International Women's Day celebration is a result of their vision and suggestions. We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing the day with us," said Philippa Graves, Chief Digital Officer.
To get involved in the ELFT Women's Network, please email elft.womensnetwork@nhs.net.